Definition of stupendousnext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word stupendous different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of stupendous are monstrous, prodigious, and tremendous. While all these words mean "extremely impressive," stupendous implies a power to stun or astound, usually because of size, numbers, complexity, or greatness beyond description.

a stupendous volcanic eruption

In what contexts can monstrous take the place of stupendous?

The words monstrous and stupendous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, monstrous implies a departure from the normal (as in size, form, or character) and often carries suggestions of deformity, ugliness, or fabulousness.

the monstrous waste of the project

When is prodigious a more appropriate choice than stupendous?

Although the words prodigious and stupendous have much in common, prodigious suggests a marvelousness exceeding belief, usually in something felt as going far beyond a previous maximum (as of goodness, greatness, intensity, or size).

made a prodigious effort and rolled the stone aside

Where would tremendous be a reasonable alternative to stupendous?

While in some cases nearly identical to stupendous, tremendous may imply a power to terrify or inspire awe.

the tremendous roar of the cataract

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of stupendous In the box score, Robinson’s day was stupendous with 195 yards on 22 carries as well as five catches for 34 yards and his two touchdowns. Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 30 Dec. 2025 Steier’s clear writing and stupendous graphics from Sara Chodosh and Taylor Maggiacomo illuminate how vaccine critics and Kennedy allies David and Mark Geier have relied on a web of shoddy science — and gives readers tools for how to not fall for the anti-vaccine playbook. Stat Staff, STAT, 29 Dec. 2025 Ever since Derry Girls wrapped in 2022, all eyes have been trained on where next for the stupendous comic talent of Lisa McGee. Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 25 Dec. 2025 Designed to survey a large portion of the entire sky over and over, more deeply and in a speedier fashion than ever before, its science goals are stupendous. Big Think, 4 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stupendous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stupendous
Adjective
  • It’s been wonderful over the five generations.
    Devon Ivie, Vulture, 21 Apr. 2026
  • Bringing it back to America is wonderful.
    Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Considered Lisbon’s highest perch, this Graça hideaway, close to a stop for the fabled 28 tram, has amazing views of the castle just across the way, and the city and Tagus River beyond.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Our on-set photographer is an amazing photographer.
    Mike Ryan, IndieWire, 22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The large language model revolution produced something genuinely astonishing.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2026
  • Why book Olive and citrus-topped mountains, cliffs folding into ruddy-brown valleys, white sands and the teal Aegean Sea; western Crete’s scenery is astonishing.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The sightings, while very much real, are still miraculous.
    Hannah Towey, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Penny had the miraculous fortune to be matched with Commander Judd, who is only two or three times her age.
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • This marvelous oven has an eight-in-one function with multiple cooking modes to slow cook, braise, bake, and make brown rice, white rice, pasta, and oats.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 18 Apr. 2026
  • The move has been a marvelous one so far.
    Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • In my opinion, Eddie should have been nominated for his incredible comic achievement in The Nutty Professor remake, though comedy is rarely recognized by Academy voters, as with Jerry Lewis’ different kind of brilliance in the original movie.
    Pete Hammond, Deadline, 19 Apr. 2026
  • While the outlet always has incredible finds, the deals are especially noteworthy right now, with savings up to 73 percent.
    Tanya Sharma, PEOPLE, 19 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, today Uranus enters a part of your chart to stay for six years, encouraging impulsive vacations, surprising romance and unexpected children.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026
  • For one of them to celebrate a career-first win Sunday wouldn’t be all that surprising.
    Jordan Bianchi, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Lightning, a running robot developed by Chinese smartphone maker Honor, finished the 21-kilometer run in Beijing in a stunning 50 minutes and 26 seconds, beating the human world record by more than six minutes.
    Chris Lau, CNN Money, 19 Apr. 2026
  • Families can build sand castles, fly kites, or climb to the top of the dunes for a stunning sunset show, while thrill-seekers can go sand-boarding or hang gliding (permits from and/or registration with the park office are required).
    Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 19 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Stupendous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stupendous. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.

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